Police airwing to undergo restructuring, IG says

Inspector General Hillary Mutyambai. [Beverlyne Musili, Standard]

Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai says the National Police Service (NPS) Airwing will be restructured in order to provide quick response, especially in operation areas.

Mutyambai said modern aircrafts fitted with night vision and infrared capabilities, will be utilized during both day and night operations to provide safety and security at all times.

Mutyambai underscored the importance of aerial surveillance in police operations adding that NPS is committed to taking the services to the grassroots.

“This airwing will be funded and revamped to meet the modern demands. We are committed to this,” he said.

He spoke on Wednesday at the NPS airwing where he addressed pilots, engineers and service officers.

Mutyambai advised them to embrace change and shun corrupt tendencies, which may negatively affect the ongoing national anti-corruption campaign and reforms.

The lack of aircrafts and grounded ones has in the past affected Police capacity to respond to emergencies.

The service has now acquired new ones and refurbished others at an exorbitant rate.

The police boss also visited the Internal Affairs Unit offices in Upper Hill where he expressed his commitment to revamping the unit to deal with corruption cases and other complaints against the police.

Mutyambai said he would initiate a system that enhances accountability and responsibility within the National Police Service, which will expand the work of IAU to investigate corruption cases within the police service.

He said the IAU would be decentralised and would operate across the country.

The unit is mandated to among others deal with cases of indiscipline, including corruption, police misconduct within the police service either raised by an officer or members of the public.

The police boss also called on members of the public to make the best use of the available channels to reach the IAU.

The channels include the Anonymous Reporting Information System, postal address (P.O Box 1880 -00100 Nairobi), email–[email protected], (USSD *683#, SMS 40683, Toll-Free Line 0800721230, Mobile App ARIS NPS, & Web Form www.iau.go.ke)

The public can report cases of police indiscipline for investigation and relevant action through mobile number +254 798474619 or send videos and photos via WhatsApp to 0758729917.